THE RODS - Vengeance
July 14, 2011, 13 years ago
(Niji Entertainment)
THE RODS were a rough'n'ready metal crew who were forced out of the business as a result of a backlash against their over-the-top misogynist tendencies. (Their Let Them Eat Metal album cover seemed to be the last straw, rivalling SPINAL TAP's Smell The Glove for the female subjugation gold medal award.) What was lost in all of the mudslinging was the fact that the band always delivered musically. Sure it wasn't cutting edge, but their straight up, thumping sound hit the metal G-spot vigorously and enthusiastically. So it's great to hear the band has reformed after fifteen years, kicking decibels in the faces of the politically correct. That said, this time out the band have mainly steered clear of sex, focusing instead on themes of revenge and freedom (through riding motorcycles). Call it MANOWAR without the Wagnerian pomp (when they used to rock) or a musically dumbed down Anvil, Vengeance proves to be a mighty fine way to re-introduce themselves. Indeed, the likes of 'Raise Some Hell', 'On Rebels Highway', 'Let It Rip' and 'Running Wild' all rock out with a vigour young outfits couldn't muster. Pure, simple headbanging bliss. Easily the comeback album of the year. (Note: Includes the last recording of Ronnie James Dio, who provides vocals on an atypical (for The Rods) building rocker. Not a highlight track, but an historically important one nonetheless.)
